GRAYLING – Grayling Main Street has been designated as an Accredited Main Street America™ program for meeting rigorous performance standards. Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce the list of Accredited programs to recognize their exceptional commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach™.
“We are extremely proud to recognize this year’s 863 nationally Accredited Main Street America programs that have worked tirelessly to advance economic vitality and quality of life in their downtowns and commercial districts,” said Patrice Frey, President & CEO of Main Street America. “During another incredibly challenging year, these programs demonstrated the power of the Main Street movement to respond to the needs of their communities. I am inspired by their steadfast leadership and innovative solutions to drive essential local recovery efforts, support small businesses, and nurture vibrant downtown districts.”
In 2021, Main Street America programs generated $5.76 billion in local reinvestment, helped open 6,601 net new businesses, generated 30,402 net new jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 10,595 historic buildings, and leveraged 1,427,729 volunteer hours. On average, for every dollar that a Main Street program spent to support their operations, it generated $19.34 of new investment back into Main Street communities.
Grayling Main Street’s performance is annually evaluated by Michigan Main Street, which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify the local programs that meet rigorous national performance standards. Evaluation criteria determines the communities that are building meaningful and sustainable revitalization programs and include standards such as, fostering strong public-private partnerships, supporting small and locally owned businesses, and actively preserving historic places, spaces, and cultural assets.
Grayling Main Street serves as a subcommittee for the city of Grayling, also known as the City of Grayling’s Downtown Development Authority, charged with the purpose to focus on Grayling’s downtown development and economic vitality. Grayling Main Street’s mission is to be an economic development program that uses historic preservation and community collaboration in Downtown Grayling to promote our artisan and great outdoors recreational resources.
The vision of Downtown Grayling is to be an economically viable district, supported by the business community, that is aesthetically engaging and encourages a grand sense of pride in residents. More information about Grayling Main Street can be found on their website at www.downtowngrayling.com or by calling 989-390-7689.
